What happens if I can no longer pay my private health insurance premiums?
In short
What happens if I can no longer pay my private health insurance premiums? The insurer may not cancel. Once two monthly premiums are overdue it sends a reminder, and a late fee of 1 percent per month is added. If arrears remain after the second reminder, the contract is suspended: you are in the emergency tariff for about 115 to 155 euros a month, covering only acute illness and pain.
Amounts that apply to arrears in German private health insurance, 2026.
Example
Typical range
Emergency tariff, without care insurance
about 115 to 155 euros a month
Late fee
1 percent of arrears per month
Basic tariff, maximum premium
1,017.18 euros a month
Basic tariff when in need of assistance
508.59 euros a month
The emergency tariff premium is a rough guide; it depends on the insurer and your ageing reserves.
Figures in the worked example are indicative values from quoting practice.
Worked example
Self-employed, 52, few orders
Her premium is 820 euros a month. She misses three payments.
Arrears after three months
2,460 euros
Late fee per month
about 25 euros
Emergency tariff after the second reminder
about 115 to 155 euros plus care insurance
Earlier alternative
tariff switch with a higher deductible
In the emergency tariff she is only covered for acute cases, and the debt remains. Better: call the insurer early and ask about a tariff switch, deferral or instalments before the second reminder arrives.
The process when private health insurance premiums are unpaid
Private comprehensive health insurance fulfils your legal duty to be insured in Germany. That is why the insurer may not cancel it for unpaid premiums. Instead the law sets out a fixed reminder process ending in the emergency tariff.
Instead of default interest, a late fee of 1 percent of the arrears is charged for every month begun. With 1,600 euros of arrears that is 16 euros a month.
When
What happens
Two monthly premiums overdue
first reminder, 1 percent late fee per month from now on
Two months after the first reminder
second reminder warning of suspension, if more than one monthly premium is still open
One month after the second reminder
contract suspended from the first of the next month, emergency tariff
All arrears paid
old tariff resumes from the first of the month after next
What the emergency tariff covers
In the emergency tariff the insurer only reimburses treatment needed for acute illness and pain, and for pregnancy and maternity. For children, check-ups and recommended vaccinations are added. Risk surcharges, exclusions and deductibles do not apply during this time.
The premium is the same for everyone in the emergency tariff and roughly 115 to 155 euros a month, plus compulsory long-term care insurance. Up to 25 percent of the premium is paid from your ageing reserves. That saves money now but makes later premiums higher. The insurer can also suspend add-on tariffs.
Need for assistance protects you
If you are in need of assistance under the rules for jobcentre basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld, called Bürgergeld until 30 June 2026) or social assistance, the contract is not suspended, and a suspended contract revives. The jobcentre or social welfare office must certify your need on request.
In the basic tariff the premium is then halved to at most 508.59 euros, and the jobcentre pays a subsidy up to that amount. If paying the premium alone would make you needy, you get the subsidy required to prevent that.
Before it gets that far: lower your premiums
Talk to your insurer early. You can switch to a cheaper tariff with the same insurer at any time, and your ageing reserves are credited. A higher deductible, giving up the single room or a lower sickness allowance also reduce the premium.
With a contract from 2009 onwards you can switch to the basic tariff with its maximum premium of 1,017.18 euros at any time; older contracts can move to the standard tariff under certain conditions. For extra benefits in a tariff switch the insurer may ask for a surcharge or exclusion, not for fewer benefits.
Back to your old tariff
Once you have paid all arrears, late fees and collection costs, your contract continues in your old tariff from the first day of the month after next, as if the emergency tariff had never happened. Only the part of the ageing reserve used up is missing.
Premium adjustments made during the suspension apply from that date. Expect the old tariff to be more expensive by then and check a tariff switch straight away.
Step by step
Talk to your insurer immediately and ask for deferral or instalments.
Check a cheaper tariff with your own insurer.
On low income, have the jobcentre or social welfare office check your need for assistance.
Send the certificate of need to your insurer.
Pay off arrears step by step to return to your old tariff.
Checklist
Reminders opened and deadlines noted
Cheaper tariffs requested from the insurer
Add-ons and sickness allowance reviewed
Need for assistance checked and certified
Instalment plan agreed in writing
Common mistakes
Ignoring reminders until the emergency tariff applies
Simply stopping payment and hoping for cancellation
Planning non-urgent treatment while in the emergency tariff
Choosing the basic tariff when a cheaper regular tariff would do
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Can my private health insurer cancel because of arrears?
No.
Comprehensive cover that fulfils your duty to be insured may not be cancelled.
You are moved to the emergency tariff instead.
Am I still insured in the emergency tariff?
Yes, but only for acute illness, pain, pregnancy and maternity.
Planned treatment is not covered.
What does the emergency tariff cost?
Roughly 115 to 155 euros a month without care insurance.
Up to 25 percent of the premium comes from your ageing reserves.
How do I get back into my tariff?
By paying all arrears including late fees.
The old tariff then resumes from the first of the month after next.
Does the jobcentre help with private premiums?
Yes, with a subsidy up to the halved basic tariff, up to 508.59 euros in 2026.
While you are in need, the contract is not suspended.
